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7.62x39 Ammo
About 7.62x39 Ammo
7.62x39 ammunition is a rifle cartridge of Soviet origin that was introduced in 1943. It was designed to be used in the new AK-47 assault rifle, which was adopted by the Soviet military in 1949.
The round is also known as the 7.62 Soviet and sometimes as the .30 Russian Short. Thanks to its use in the AK-47, a semi-automatic rifle virtually everyone in the world has heard of, 7.62x30 ammo is used across the globe.
The design of the cartridge was based on the German 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge, which was used in the Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle. 7.62x39 ammo traditionally uses a tapered case and a bottlenecked design, which allows for reliable feeding in a variety of weapons.
The cartridge quickly became popular in the Soviet Union and its satellite states, as well as in countries that received Soviet military aid. It was used extensively in the Vietnam War, both by North Vietnamese forces and by the Viet Cong.
7.62x39 ammunition is known for its moderate recoil and relatively low cost, making it popular among civilian shooters for target shooting and hunting. It is also still widely used in military and law enforcement applications around the world.
Over the years, several different variations of the cartridge have been developed, including armor-piercing, tracer, and hollow-point variants. Despite its age, the 7.62x39 cartridge remains a popular and effective round for a wide range of applications.
Common Names for 7.62x39 Ammo
Since its initial introduction over 80 years ago, 7.62x39 ammunition has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
- 7.62x39mm Ammo
- 7.62x39 Cartridge
- 7.62 Soviet
- 7.62 Short
- 7.62 Warsaw Pact
Regardless of your preferred terminology, 7.62x39 ammo has remained massively popular over the years and is available in the lineup of every significant ammunition manufacturer.
The AK47 Rifle
What the AR15 is to the United States, the AK47 is to Russia and other Eastern European countries. First introduced in 1947, the Avtomat Kalashnikova (AK47) is a selective-fire rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov.
One of the hallmarks of the AK47 is its versatility and service life. The rifle can easily be modified and customized in dozens of ways, from adding optics, rails, or other accessories.
Although similar, the original 7.62x39 caliber Kalashnikov has two popular variants that vary in receiver construction - the AKM and the AK74.
The AK47's popularity has also been fueled by its iconic design, distinctive shape, and popular features making it instantly recognizable.
Fast forward seventy years later, and the AK47 is one of the most widely used rifles in the world used by civilian and military personnel.
7.62x39 Ammunition Benefits
GOOD PENETRATION
7.62x39 ammunition is known for its good penetration, making it an effective choice for hunting medium-sized game.
Common bullet types for 7.62x39 ammo is Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), Soft Point (SP), Hollow Point (HP), and Armor-Piercing (AP).
MODERATE RECOIL
7.62x39 ammo has moderate recoil, making it easy to shoot accurately for extended periods of time.
RANGE EFFECTIVENESS
7.62x39 ammo is most effective at short to medium ranges, making it a popular choice for hunting and shooting in wooded areas.
TERMINAL BALLISTICS
The cartridge is known for its moderate recoil and good penetration capabilities, making it a popular choice for hunting and military applications.
AFFORDABLE
7.62x39 ammunition is relatively affordable compared to other cartridges, making it a popular choice among budget-minded shooters.
AVAILABILITY
7.62x39 ammunition is widely available, and many manufacturers produce it, which contributes to its popularity making it easy to find online and at most gun stores.
7.62x39 Ammo FAQ
QUESTION: What is 7.62x39 ammunition used for?
ANSWER: 7.62x39 ammunition is primarily used in rifles and carbines for hunting, self-defense, and military and law enforcement applications.
QUESTION: What firearms use 7.62x39 ammunition?
ANSWER: The most common firearms that use 7.62x39 ammunition are the AK-47 and its variants, as well as some other rifles and carbines made by various manufacturers.
QUESTION: How powerful is 7.62x39 ammunition?
ANSWER: 7.62x39 ammunition typically has a muzzle velocity of around 2,300 to 2,400 feet per second and produces around 1,500 to 1,800 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, making it a moderately powerful round.
QUESTION: What are some common types of 7.62x39 ammo?
ANSWER: The most common bullet types for 7.62x39 ammunition include full metal jacket (FMJ), soft point (SP), and hollow point (HP).
QUESTION: Can 7.62x39 ammo be used for hunting?
ANSWER: Yes, 7.62x39 ammo is commonly used for hunting a variety of game, including deer, hogs, and other medium-sized game.
QUESTION: Is 7.62x39 ammunition interchangeable with other cartridges?
ANSWER: No, 7.62x39 ammo is not interchangeable with other cartridges. It is important to use the correct ammunition for your firearm to avoid damage or malfunction.
QUESTION: Can I buy 7.62x39 ammo in bulk?
ANSWER: Absolutely, 7.62x39 ammo is readily available in bulk quantities for target and hunting configurations. Additionally, buying in bulk quantities can even decrease your overall price per round.
For the best online selection in bulk ammo, check out Ammunition Depot to find the right caliber to suit your budget and needs.
